An Anoka County woman is facing two gross misdemeanor charges after prosecutors say she stole a backpack leaf blower from a lawn crew and tried to conceal it in her vehicle before police tracked her down.
According to a criminal complaint filed October 10, 2025, Erica Lynn Smeby, 35, of Ramsey, has been charged with theft of property valued between $500 and $1,000 and receiving stolen property.
Theft Reported in Broad Daylight
The case began on October 9, 2025, around 10 a.m., when officers were dispatched to 2801 Cutters Grove Avenue in Anoka after a report of a theft in progress. Witnesses told police that two women had been seen near lawn service trucks, one of whom grabbed a brand-new Echo 770T backpack leaf blower valued at approximately $650–$800.
Workers tried to stop the suspect, but she left the scene in a black or gray SUV with custom rims and black-style license plates. One witness identified the woman as wearing a red jacket and sunglasses.
Police Locate Suspect Vehicle
Officers continued searching throughout the day and, at about 5 p.m., located a vehicle matching the description — a Chevrolet Tahoe with plates registered to Smeby — near Main Street and Ferry Street. When police stopped the vehicle, they saw Smeby in the driver’s seat attempting to cover an item in the backseat. Looking through the window, officers spotted the stolen leaf blower.
Admission and Recovery
In a post-Miranda interview, Smeby admitted taking the blower but then shifted blame to her passenger. Police returned the stolen property to the lawn company.
Smeby was arrested and transported to the Anoka County Jail.
Court Proceedings and Release
Judge Jennifer Stanfield signed an order for detention on October 10, holding Smeby in custody.
She has since been granted conditional release without bond, with requirements to remain law-abiding, abstain from alcohol and non-prescribed substances, and appear for all scheduled hearings.
Smeby is scheduled for an omnibus hearing on December 10, 2025, at 1:15 p.m. before Judge Michele A. Davis in Anoka County District Court.
If convicted, each charge carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based solely on official filings in Anoka County District Court, October 2025.
